Father Michael J. McGivney Painting

Father Michael J. McGivney, our order’s founder, is now just one miracle away from being canonized as a saint of the Catholic Church. On May 27, Pope Francis approved the promulgation of a decree recognizing a miracle attributed to the intercession Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney.

The miracle recognized as coming through Father McGivney’s intercession involved an unborn child belonging to Dan and Michelle Schachle of Tennessee. Their son was given no hope of surviving a life-threatening case of fetal hydrops, which is a dangerous accumulation of fluids throughout the body, in 2015. The Schachles Prayed to Father McGivney to intercede on their behalf.

The Catholic Church defines a miracle as an extraordinary event that has no current medical or scientific explanation. Dan’s and Michelle’s son, Michel’s, a condition should have been fatal by all accounts, but he survives. After intensive research where dozens of interviews were conducted, examinations of medical evidence, months of work, and a particular submission process to the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Pope Francis approved the decree to recognize the miracle. 

A date will soon be set for the beatification Mass, which will take place in Connecticut. It will include the reading of an apostolic letter from the Holy Father and the bestowing of the title “Blessed” on Father McGivney.

Father Michael J. McGivney needs one more miracle before he is canonized as a saint. As a Knight, he is always there watching, and interceding through us. We should each include him in our prayers. Ask Father Michael J. McGivney to pray for us as we pray for the completion of his journey to sainthood.

Prayer for the Canonization of Father Michael J. McGivney

Father Michael J. McGivney Photo

God, our Father, protector of the poor and defender of the widow and orphan, you called your priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, to be an apostle of Christian family life and to lead the young to the generous service of their neighbor. Through the example of his life and virtue may we follow your Son, Jesus Christ, more closely, fulfilling his commandment of charity and building up his Body which is the Church. Let the inspiration of your servant prompt us to greater confidence in your love so that we may continue his work of caring for the needy and the outcast. We humbly ask that you glorify your venerable servant Father Michael J. McGivney on earth according to the design of your holy will. Through his intercession, grant the favor I now present (here make your request). Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Our Father Hail Mary Glory be to the Father

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